

7th Annual Mangum Marathon & 1/2 Marathon
Mangum Marathon & Half Marathon offers a challenging, scenic country road race in rural North Carolina.
Race Date
Jan 16, 2027
Location
Ellerbe, NC
Quick facts
- Date
- Saturday, January 16, 2027
- Location
- Ellerbe, North Carolina
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 26.2 Miles
- Course
- Out & Back
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Not listed
- Finishers on record
- 165
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
The Experience
The 7th Annual Mangum Marathon & Half Marathon, first run in 2020, challenges runners on quiet country roads near Ellerbe, NC. This event is designed for those seeking a true runner's experience, featuring long stretches of solitude and a notable climb known locally as a "legendary hill."
With approximately 61 finishers in recent editions, the race offers a more intimate atmosphere. Runners can expect a chip-timed course with generous time limits: 7 hours for the marathon and 5 hours for the half marathon. While the course is noted for its rolling terrain and a significant climb, it is minimally supported, emphasizing self-reliance and the quiet beauty of the rural landscape.
All finishers receive a custom medal and a long-sleeve performance shirt, with engraved tumblers awarded to the overall male and female winners. The event aims to provide a rewarding challenge for dedicated runners.
Race-provided description
🏃♂️ 7th Annual Mangum Marathon & Half Marathon — 2027 Kick off 2027 with one of North Carolina’s most challenging and rewarding road races — the 7th Annual Mangum Marathon & Half Marathon! This is a true runner’s race: scenic, quiet country roads, rolling terrain, and a legendary hill that will test your grit. ⏱️ Time Limits Marathon: 7-hour time limit Half Marathon: 5-hour time limit Both events are chip timed. 🏅 Awards & Finisher Swag Finisher Medals for ALL who finish Custom Engraved Tumblers for Overall Male & Female winners Awards Categories Overall Male & Female Top 3 Male & Female in each age group: 0–19,20–29,30–39,40–49,50–59,60+ 🗺️ Course Description The course starts at the Dog Pen — out in the boondocks just outside Ellerbe, NC — and delivers quiet roads, long stretches of solitude, and one unforgettable climb. Marathon: Run 2 miles → turn right Continue 11.1 miles to the turnaround Reverse course back to the finish Around mile 22, you’ll face the famous climb to Bethel Church Boston has Heartbreak Hill — Mangum has its own. Half Marathon: Turn around at approximately mile 6.55 Reverse course back to the Dog Pen finish 📍 Start / Finish Location Closest Address: 869 Holly Grove Church Rd. Ellerbe, NC 28338 Located at the intersection of Carthage Creek Road and Holly Grove Church Road in Richmond County. 📌 Google Map Pin: Google Maps Pin Drop 💧 Course Support (IMPORTANT) This is a MINIMALLY SUPPORTED COURSE. Please plan accordingly and bring everything you need to be successful. We will supply the following: 1 bottled water stack on Mangum Heartbreak Hill 2 manned water stops at the following locations: ~6.5 mile mark and Half Marathon turnaround ⚠️ Do not rely solely on aid stations. Carry hydration, nutrition, and gear appropriate for the distance. 👕 Race Shirts All participants will receive a special technical performance shirt. Shirt style TBD (¼ zip / full zip / performance option) Shirt details will be announced in the coming weeks Shirts and medals are NOT guaranteed for registrations after January 9 Late registrants may pick up shirts/medals after race day (1-week processing time) 🚽 Porta-Johns NEW & IMPROVED! 2 porta-johns will be provided if registrations exceed 150 Otherwise, 1 porta-john at the start Locations: Start/Finish Near the bridge (site of prior construction) Yes — we listened 😄 🎽 Packet Pickup (VERY IMPORTANT) You have TWO options: Option 1: Pre-Race Packet Pickup 📍 Uwharrie Brewing 121 N 3rd St, Albemarle, NC 28001 🕕 Friday: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM Option 2: Race Day Packet Pickup 📍 Mangum Start/Finish (Dog Pen) 🕖 Starting at 7:00 AM 🚫 NO packet pickup at Uwharrie Brewing on race morning Race-day pickup is ONLY at the Mangum Start/Finish.
Logistics
Race Day
Saturday, January 16, 2027
Start Time
8:00 AM
Giveaway
Long Sleeve Performance Shirt
Start Location
Intersection of Carthage Creek Road and Holly Grove Church Road outside of Ellerbe, NC, Ellerbe, NC, 28338
Course Info
Course Type
Out & Back
Terrain
road
Scenery
Rural
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Hilly
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.0%
Also Offers
Course Map
Quality Score
Solid Pick535 years running
~32 finishers a year
small race — neutral
16% returning runners
5 timing sources · 3 photos
no finisher data yet
winner 1:31:51
typical high 51°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
33°
Afternoon (High)
51°
Ideal racing weather — cool and comfortable
0.1"
Precipitation
11 mph
Wind
67%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 165 finishers actually crossed the line across 5 years.
Most recent
2026
Total finishers
165
Median time
2:22:59
Latest turnout
61
States
1
Turnout by year
2022–2026
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the 7th Annual Mangum Marathon & 1/2 Marathon?
The 7th Annual Mangum Marathon & 1/2 Marathon is held on Saturday, January 16, 2027, starting at 8:00 AM.
Where does the 7th Annual Mangum Marathon & 1/2 Marathon take place?
It takes place in Ellerbe, North Carolina.
What distances does the 7th Annual Mangum Marathon & 1/2 Marathon offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 26.2 Miles.
Is the 7th Annual Mangum Marathon & 1/2 Marathon course flat and good for a PR?
The 7th Annual Mangum Marathon & 1/2 Marathon is a hilly, out & back course.
How many people run the 7th Annual Mangum Marathon & 1/2 Marathon?
HalfRuns has finish records for 165 runners who have completed the 7th Annual Mangum Marathon & 1/2 Marathon.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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